“A day’s work should produce a living wage," says the bill's prime sponsor, freshman Democrat Jessyn Farrell of Seattle.

"We know that if you work full time at minimum wage in Washington state you are still at the federal poverty level. That means you qualify for food stamps and other assistance.”

Governor Jay Inslee quickly praised the proposal as a “commonsense plan.” Republicans say a minimum wage hike is counterproductive and the focus should be on reducing the cost of doing business in Washington.